# Introduction

## What is Publisher?

[Publisher](https://dnastack.com/publisher/) is a tool within the [Omics AI](https://dnastack.com/) platform for connecting, protecting, and sharing your omics and health data—medical records, genome sequences, images, and more—using open standards, all in one place.\
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Publisher maintains an up-to-date index (not a copy) of your data across popular object stores and relational databases.

## How it Works

Publisher is a data integration and sharing studio designed for researchers and organizations working with genomic and other omics data. It helps maximize the impact of your research data while maintaining security and compliance.

Publisher enables you to:

* Connect and integrate datasets from any source without moving the original data
* Maintain full administrative control and transparency
* Share data securely across federated networks using [Explorer](https://docs.omics.ai/products/explorer)
* Ensure compliance with [Global Alliance for Genomics & Health](https://www.ga4gh.org/) standards

## Key Features

Publisher allows you to:

* Connect to multiple data sources and index their contents
* Organize indexed data into collections
* Attach metadata to improve discoverability
* Configure granular access policies
* Share collections using open standards
* Register collections in networks for easy discovery

## [Getting Started](https://docs.omics.ai/products/publisher/getting-started) with Publisher

### Initial Setup

We'll create a dedicated Publisher instance in your environment, positioned close to your data

### Access Options

* Use the web interface for visual management
* Use the [downloadable command-line interface (CLI)](https://docs.omics.ai/products/command-line-interface/installation) for programmatic control

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If you are interested in obtaining Publisher, please [contact our support team](mailto:support@dnastack.com).
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